Psychological interventions for PTSD in people living with HIV in resource poor settings

Post-traumatic stress disorder is common in those from low- and middle-income countries and evidence suggests even more common among those living with HIV. This review aimed to identify interventions used on adults with post-traumatic stress disorder living in a resource poor setting with HIV. A total of 7 studies were included in the analysis and the study concluded that thoroughly evaluated interventions for this group of people were rare and further research is required in those living in low- and middle-income countries.

Psychological interventions for post-traumatic stress disorder in people living with HIV in Resource poor settings: a systematic review

Abstract

Objective

Post-traumatic stress disorder is pervasive in low- and middle-income countries. There is evidence to suggest that post-traumatic stress disorder is more common among people living with HIV than non-infected matched controls. We carried out a systematic review of interventions for adult post-traumatic stress disorder from resource poor settings with a focus on people living with HIV.

Methods

We included all studies that investigated interventions for adult post-traumatic stress disorder from resource poor settings with a focus on interventions that were either randomised controlled trials or observational cohort studies carried out from 1980 to May 2015.

Results

Of the 25 articles that were identified for full review, two independent reviewers identified seven studies that met our study inclusion criteria. All randomised controlled trials (RCT) (n = 6) used cognitive behavioural therapy-based interventions and focused on people living with HIV in resource poor settings. There was only one study focusing on the use of lay counsellors to address post-traumatic stress disorder but core competencies were not described. There were no intervention studies from Africa, only an observational cohort study from Rwanda.

Conclusion

Rigorously evaluated interventions for adult post-traumatic stress disorder in people living with HIV are rare. Most were undertaken in resource poor settings located in high-income countries. There is a need for research on the development and implementation of appropriate interventions for post-traumatic stress disorder in people living with HIV in low- and middle-income countries.